I am the third alt of Jet Cash, and all of us managed to get a few merits within the first 20 posts. I am the only alt that admitted my parentage at the time of birth.

In the Bitcoin Talk forum, it isn't who you know, or what your rank is that earns the merits, it's what you say, and how you behave. That is how it is, and how it should be. However, if you know and associate with cheats, then you can obtain merits that are contrary to the forum policy. The problem with those merits is that they are often noticed, and if so, then they will affect your reputation, and possibly your earning potential.